What is SMMIB funding, in plain terms?
The Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) is a national Church of England investment programme that supports strategic mission and ministry in dioceses — helping to develop, revitalise and scale mission approaches, and to build sustainable capacity.
How was our diocesan bid developed?
Our bid was shaped through extensive grass roots consultation across Luton, Watford and Hatfield. We listened to parishioners, clergy, lay leaders, young people, and local partners—discerning where God is already at work and where there are clear missional opportunities that could be strengthened.
Why focus on Hatfield, Luton and Watford?
In partnership with the national church, these areas were identified as places with significant missional opportunity, younger and more diverse populations, and readiness for focused investment.
What did our diocese apply for?
A £3.5m bid focused on:(1) leadership and schools-related mission (including The Alban Way), (2) church planting and revitalisation in Hatfield, Luton and Watford, (3) children and young people’s workers.
What has been confirmed right now?
£1.14m has been awarded in full for leadership, education and capacity. This includes expanding The Alban Way and strengthening mission in schools, as well as programme support to enable delivery.
What funding is “agreed but conditional”?
£1.13m for church planting and revitalisation in Hatfield, Luton and Watford is awarded subject to further clarification—clearer mission design and delivery plans that show how activity leads to discipleship outcomes and confirm there is sufficient resources for the plans to succeed.
What still needs more work before it can be agreed?
A further £1.23m (mainly for children and young people’s workers across Hatfield, Luton and Watford) is agreed in principle but needs updated proposals to return to the Board for approval.
Has anything been rejected?
No. The headline is that nothing in the £3.5m bid has been ruled out. Some parts are confirmed now, while others require further work before funding can be released, subject to clarification from the national church.
What if our parish isn’t directly receiving money?
Phase 1 includes deanery-based investment plus diocese-wide leadership and schools strands. But every parish can still access significant diocesan support and mission funding through existing grant schemes and advice. See the “Support and grants” links on this page.
What will actually be funded by these grants?
Confirmed funding covers leadership, education and capacity (including The Alban Way and schools mission support). Conditional and in-principle elements relate to church revitalisation/planting and wider children & young people’s workers in Hatfield, Luton and Watford.
Are these grants just for “big churches” or central teams?
The intention is local benefit and parish mission. Most roles proposed in the bid are locally based frontline roles. A smaller number of enabling roles provide training, financial reporting and programme support so the work is accountable and deliverable.
When will we know more?
We are meeting with the national Vision and Strategy Team in late January, followed by February Zoom briefings to explain the route/timetable and answer questions.
Will there be future phases (including rural areas)?
Yes—there is a phased approach, with Phase 1 as the first step, and further bids anticipated for later phases.
How is the programme and work overseen?
The programme is overseen by the Growing Younger and More Diverse (GYMD) Programme Board, with representation from the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF), Bishop’s Council, Board for Mission & Ministry, and the Diocesan Board of Education. This ensures the work is properly governed, financially accountable, and aligned with mission and education priorities, while rooted in local parish realities.
How can we stay informed?
This web page will be updated as key milestones are reached. Affected deanery leaders will also receive briefing information. If you have questions, please use the contact details on the hub page.